SBA Reduces Upfront Guaranty Fees to Spur Lending to Small Business
In a rising rate environment with turbulent economic conditions, many small businesses seeking capital may have trouble obtaining the needed financing to maintain or grow their businesses. Statistically, this is especially true for minority-, veteran- and women-owned businesses and those located in rural communities.
According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), in 2022, two out of three business owners who sought credit did not receive what they needed.
That’s why the SBA has made some changes this year to its programs. Specifically, the new rules expand the pool of licensed lenders, update eligibility criteria and underwriting processes to streamline documentation and grant permanence to the Community Advantage program for nonprofit mission lenders like community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and community development loan funds.
One significant benefit among these changes for small businesses is the waiving of upfront guaranty fees for certain small businesses for the entire 2024 fiscal year, including:
- All eligible SBA loans under $1,000,000 will have $0 upfront guaranty fees.
- All eligible SBA loans from $1,000,001 to $2,000,000 will have fees reduced by more than 50 percent
These changes could mean up to $25,000 difference for a small business borrower. Among the ways we’re seeing companies use these loans are:
- Acquisitions
- Partner buyouts
- Real Estate purchase and construction
- Expansion
- Debt refinance
Pinnacle has preferred lender status from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which helps streamline our application and review processes, and was in the top 5% of largest SBA lenders in the U.S. during fiscal year 2023I.
No matter where you bank, it’s worth a conversation with your financial advisor to see if these changes make SBA lending a better option for your business.
